Plizio Visual Lab
Zaovine Lake
ℹ️Practical info — Zaovine Lake
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The lake level fluctuates due to the hydroelectric dam; some beaches may be steep or rocky depending on the water level.
- There are limited shops around the lake, so buy your groceries and supplies in Bajina Bašta before driving up.
- The road from Perućac is winding and steep; drive carefully, especially in foggy or wet conditions.
- Look out for the rare Pančić Spruce (Pančićeva omorika) which was discovered in this exact region.
🍽 Food
Ask your local host or stop at rural households to buy authentic, creamy dairy products produced from mountain-grazing cows.
Enjoy air-dried ham and sausages from the region, often served as a cold appetizer in nearby mountain taverns.
Available at some rural households or specialized fish restaurants downstream in Perućac and Bajina Bašta.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for small roadside signs or ask your accommodation host to buy directly from local producers.
Elderly locals sometimes sell traditional thick woolen socks and sweaters, first-rate for the cool mountain evenings.
A smaller, very quiet lake located just below the main Zaovine dam, surrounded by dense forests.
Hike up the surrounding hills for a magnificent, undisturbed view over the star-shaped lake and Tara National Park.
Water temperature…
Zaovine Lake is situated on the slopes of Tara Mountain in Western Serbia and was formed in the 1980s by damming the Beli Rzav river. Reaching depths of up to 80 meters, it serves as a storage basin for the reversible hydropower plant in Bajina Bašta. The lake is world-renowned among botanists as the site where the Pančić Spruce (Picea omorika), a rare endemic species, was discovered in 1875. The surrounding landscapes are part of the Tara National Park, characterized by dense forests and diverse wildlife. For tourists, Zaovine provides a serene escape with opportunities for swimming in crystal clear waters during summer, kayaking, and hiking to numerous viewpoints. The area is dotted with traditional mountain lodges and 28 small hamlets that maintain a slow pace of life. Fishing is a popular activity, as the lake is rich in trout and carp. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn. Local specialties include mountain honey, dried meats, and traditional 'lepinja' bread. Access is typically via Bajina Bašta through scenic mountain passes.
- Location: Serbia
- Top sights: Lokalitet Panchitsheve omorike ,,Kik" · First discovery of Picea omorica (Serbian spruce) · Vidikovats iznad plazhe
- Nearby: Tara National Park (9 km)
- Population: ~1.081
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 62 | 70 | 67 | 98 | 108 | 76 | 65 | 74 | 69 | 70 | 69 |
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: 890 meters
- Maximum depth: 80 meters
- Dam built between 1980-1982
- Home of the endemic Pančić Spruce
- Part of Tara National Park
- Numerous natural beaches
- Rich in trout and carp
- Near the Bosnian border
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Zaovine Lake (4)
Ravna stena🛡️ fortress
Ravna Stena is a historical fortification located on a strategic cliff overlooking the Zaovine Lake area.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Zaovine Lake special?
Can you fish in the lake?
How is the access road to the lake?
Are there accommodations right by the lake?
What clothing is recommended?
Zaovine Lake: where is it located?
Zaovine Lake: what is there to see?
Zaovine Lake: when is the best time to visit?
Zaovine Lake: why is it worth visiting?
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